Madam Olufunmilayo Adelabu, the mother of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has recounted how she was moved to tears over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Council of Oyo State, only for her own daughter and twin grandsons to be kidnapped less than 24 hours later.
Emotional Account
The elderly woman shared the emotional account in a video that surfaced on Sunday after her daughter, Olaide Adegoke, and twin sons, who were abducted by gunmen in Ibadan on June 3, were rescued. The victims were rescued unharmed on Saturday night during a police operation in which two suspected kidnappers were reportedly killed.
Speaking with relief and gratitude, Adelabu said the traumatic experience had reinforced her empathy for families whose loved ones remain in captivity. “A day before my children’s incident, I wept bitterly when I saw those children on the phone, without knowing it would happen to me too the following day,” she said.
Deeply Affected by Oriire Abductions
According to her, the Oriire abductions deeply affected her, prompting fervent prayers for their safe return. The incident, which involved over 40 schoolchildren and some teachers, sparked outrage across Oyo State and heightened concerns over the rising insecurity, particularly in rural communities.
Adelabu said she never imagined that her family would soon become victims of a similar ordeal, disclosing, “Olaide, Peter’s mother, is my daughter, my lastborn. I am very happy and grateful to God for the mercy bestowed upon me.
“I cried and God sent helpers. My children were rescued unharmed and returned home in peace. I can see all three of them again. I thank everyone who played a role in ensuring they were released.”
Thoughts Remain with Other Victims
Meanwhile, even though she celebrated the safe return of her loved ones, she said her thoughts remained with other victims still in the hands of abductors. She prayed for their release from captivity, stating that God, who freed her children from bondage, would free others too. She also prayed for the government and the country, expressing hope that the wave of kidnappings would soon end.
